The Iran visa application takes 5-14 working days through the MFA e-Visa portal at evisa.mfa.ir, or 7-14 days through an embassy. Whether you complete the process online or in person, this 2026 walkthrough covers every step – documents, form fields, processing times, and common rejection reasons.
Iran Visa Application Methods
You have two options to apply for an Iran visa in 2026:
- Online e-Visa application through the MFA portal at evisa.mfa.ir
- Embassy/consulate application in person
The online route is faster and cheaper for most nationalities. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada must use the embassy route – the e-Visa system does not accept their applications.
| Method | Processing Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online e-Visa | 5-14 working days | €40-€100 | Most nationalities |
| Embassy | 7-14 working days | €50-€150 | US, UK, Canada citizens |
| Visa on Arrival | 15-30 min at airport | €30-€50 | Select nationalities only |
For more on the online route, see our Iran eVisa guide.
Step-by-step: How to Apply Online (MFA e-Visa Portal)
Step 1 – Prepare Your Documents
Before you start the application, gather these items:
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity from entry date and at least 2 blank pages
- Passport-size photo in digital format (white background, 3.5 × 4.5 cm, JPEG/PNG, max 500 KB)
- Confirmed travel insurance covering Iran for the visa duration
- Hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from an Iranian host/travel agency
- Return flight details or onward travel plans
- A valid email address to receive confirmation codes
For complete technical photo specifications, see our visa requirements checklist.
Step 2 – Register on the MFA Portal
- Go to evisa.mfa.ir
- Click “New Application” or “Apply Online”
- Enter your nationality, purpose of travel, and visa type
- Create an account with your email address
- Confirm your email via the code sent to your inbox
Step 3 – Fill Out the Application Form
The form asks for these fields:
Personal Information
– Full name (exactly as in your passport)
– Date of birth
– Citizenship and country of birth
– Gender
– Marital status
Passport Details
– Passport number
– Issue and expiry dates
– Issuing country
Trip Details
– Proposed entry date
– Purpose of visit (tourism, business, pilgrimage, etc.)
– Intended duration of stay
– Cities you plan to visit
– Iranian host or hotel name and address
Previous Iran Travel
– Whether you have visited Iran before
– Dates of previous visits
– Previous visa reference number (if any)
Step 4 – Upload Documents
Upload:
– Passport scan or photo (bio-data page)
– Passport-size photo
Proof of travel insurance is typically checked at the point of entry rather than uploaded during the online application – but have it ready.
Step 5 – Submit and Wait for Authorization
After submission you receive a reference number. Processing takes 5 to 10 working days on average. The MFA may:
- Approve – you receive an “Authorization Code” by email
- Request additional documents – this adds 3-7 days
- Reject – a denial notice without detailed explanation
Once approved, you pick up your visa sticker at the Iranian embassy or consulate you selected during the application, or collect it at the airport on arrival (if eligible for your nationality).
Check your application status using our Iran visa status tracking tool.
Step 6 – Pay the Visa Fee
The visa fee is paid when collecting your visa sticker. It is NOT paid online during the application. Fees depend on your nationality and visa type – see the complete Iran visa fee breakdown for country-by-country prices.
Step 7 – Collect Your Visa
- At an embassy: present your passport and authorization code; you receive a full-page visa sticker, usually within 1-3 working days.
- At the airport: if your nationality is eligible for VOA, present the printed authorization code at the relevant counter.
Embassy Application (For US, UK, Canadian Citizens)
United States, United Kingdom, and Canadian passport holders cannot use the online e-Visa portal. You must apply at an Iranian embassy or consulate. In some cases a licensed Iranian travel agency must sponsor your application.
Steps for embassy applications:
- Contact your nearest Iranian embassy – confirm required documents (requirements vary slightly by location)
- Have an Iranian sponsor – a licensed travel agency or recognized host in Iran is usually required
- Complete the paper application form – available at the embassy
- Submit passport photos – two printed passport-size photos (white background)
- Provide your Iran tour itinerary – including confirmed hotel bookings and detailed day-by-day plan
- Insurance confirmation – you cannot proceed without Iran-valid travel insurance
- Pay the fee – typically €80-€150 for US/UK/CA citizens; this is higher than standard rates for other nationalities
US citizens are additionally required to be on a guided tour or have a detailed itinerary.
Processing Time by Application Type
| Nationality | Self Apply | Via Travel Agency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| European | 5-10 days | 3-7 days | Eligible for e-Visa or embassy |
| US | Not possible online | 6-14 days | Must use travel agency |
| UK | Not possible online | 6-14 days | Must use travel agency |
| Canadian | Not possible online | 6-14 days | Must use travel agency |
| Indian | 7-14 days | 5-10 days | e-Visa or embassy |
| Pakistani | 7-14 days | 5-10 days | e-Visa or embassy |
For nationality-specific guidance, see Iran visa for US citizens, Iran visa for Indian citizens, and Iran visa for Pakistani citizens.
Required Documents Checklist
Every Iran visa application – whether online or at an embassy – requires these core documents. Having them all organized in advance significantly reduces your processing time.
| Document | Online | Embassy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid passport (6+ months validity) | Photo/scan | Physical | Must show full bio-data page |
| Passport-size photo | Digital JPEG | Two printed | White background, 3.5 × 4.5 cm |
| Travel insurance | Show on arrival | Hard copy | Must specify “covers Iran” |
| Hotel confirmation / invitation letter | Referenced in form | Hard copy | Agency invitation accepted |
| Application fee | Paid on collection | Paid at embassy | Varies by nationality |
| Completed application form | Online fields | Paper form | Embassy forms are handwritten |
Our complete requirements guide covers each document in detail including format specifications and what to do if you are missing one.
Application Form Sections Explained
Personal Information
Your name must match your passport exactly. Spelling differences between form and passport are one of the most common reasons applications are delayed or rejected. Use your passport as the reference – transliterations can differ since Iran uses a Latin-to-Persian mapping.
Sponsor / Host Details
You must provide either:
- An Iranian travel agency or hotel that can be contacted for verification, or
- An individual host (relative, friend, or business contact) in Iran – they must be willing to receive official confirmation from the MFA
Self-supported independent tourists without a host or hotel booking are not eligible for an e-Visa application.
Travel Dates and Itinerary
Your proposed entry date must be at least 3 weeks in the future from the date of application (to allow standard processing). Include at least three cities you intend to visit – this demonstrates tourism intent and makes the application more credible.
Standard tourist visas are issued for stays of up to 30 days. Extensions of up to 30 additional days are possible through the Foreigners’ Affairs Bureau once you are in Iran – see our visa extension guide.
How Long Does Each Stage Take?
| Stage | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare documents | 1-3 days | Photo + insurance + hotel |
| Complete online form | 30-60 min | Single session |
| MFA review | 5-10 working days | May be longer during peak seasons |
| Visa collection | 1-3 working days | Or same day at airport |
| Total | 7-18 days | Most nationalities |
During Iranian Nowruz (mid-March) and Muharram period, processing takes 2-3 weeks longer. Plan ahead.
For expected timelines, review our Iran visa processing time guide.
Application Tips to Avoid Rejection
Do:
– Double-check passport name matches all documents
– Use a clear, recent passport photo (taken within the last 6 months)
– Book accommodation before applying – a valid booking reference ensures approval
– Submit insurance that explicitly names Iran as a covered region
– Apply at least 4 weeks before your trip for regular tourist visas
Don’t:
– Submit applications with a passport that expires in less than 6 months
– Use an old or low-resolution passport photo
– Apply for a visa while currently inside Iran with an expiring visa
– Overstay your visa (incurs fines and bans)
– Visit restricted border areas without a registered guide or permit
– Passport stamps from certain countries (as of 2026, Israel stamps/visas) can cause additional delays and scrutiny – not a refusal, but expect questions
For detailed avoidance strategies, see our Iran visa rejection guide.
Iran Visa Application: Quick Reference
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where do I apply? | evisa.mfa.ir (most nationalities) or Iranian embassy |
| How much does it cost? | €40-€150 depending on nationality |
| How long does it take? | 7-18 days including application and collection |
| Do I need a sponsor? | At least a hotel booking or invitation letter |
| Can I apply from inside Iran? | No – apply from outside Iran only |
| Is the e-Visa free? | No – there is always a fee at collection |
| Can I extend inside Iran? | Yes – up to 30 extra days at a Foreigners’ Affairs Bureau |
FAQs About Iran Visa Application
How long does an Iran e-Visa application take to process?
Standard processing through the MFA portal takes 5-10 working days. Applications submitted through a travel agency can be faster, sometimes 3-7 working days. Processing times are longer during Iranian Nowruz (mid-March) and religious holidays.
Can a US citizen apply for an Iran visa online?
No – US, UK, and Canadian passport holders cannot use the MFA e-Visa portal. You must apply through an Iranian embassy and in most cases a registered Iranian travel agency must sponsor your application. Processing is typically 6-14 working days.
What happens after I submit my online application?
You receive a reference number. The MFA reviews your application and sends an Authorization Code to your email if approved. You then take this code to the Iranian embassy or consulate you specified in the form to collect your visa sticker, or collect it at the airport if your nationality is eligible.
Is there an Iran visa application form I can download as a PDF?
The paper application form is available at Iranian embassies. For the online route, all fields are entered directly into the evisa.mfa.ir website – there is no downloadable PDF version. If you prefer to apply in person, your local embassy will provide the paper form.
Do I need to pay the visa fee online during the application?
No – the Iran visa application online does not involve payment. Fees are paid when you collect the physical visa sticker at the embassy or airport. Bring the required amount in cash (Euros are preferred).
Can I apply for an Iran visa while already inside the country?
No. You must submit your application from outside Iran and receive the Authorization Code before entering. Once inside Iran, you may extend an existing visa, but you cannot start a new visa application. Extensions are up to 30 extra days through the Foreigners’ Affairs Bureau.
Can Israeli passport holders or people with Israeli stamps get an Iran visa?
Iran does not recognize Israel. If you have an Israeli visa or entry/exit stamp in your passport, be prepared for additional scrutiny. It does not automatically disqualify you, but a separate passport with no Israel stamps is the usual advice. Consult an Iranian embassy or travel agency before applying.
What is the difference between e-Visa and regular embassy visa for Iran?
The e-Visa is applied for entirely online at evisa.mfa.ir with pickup at an embassy or airport. An embassy visa requires a visit to the consulate. E-Visa is processing is faster (5-10 days vs. 7-14 days) and cheaper. However, nationalities ineligible for the e-Visa (US, UK, Canada) must use the embassy route.
What is a travel authorization code for Iran and how do I get one?
The Authorization Code is issued by the MFA after your application is approved. It is sent to the email you used during registration. Print this code – it is required at the embassy or airport to collect your visa. If you lose it, contact the MFA choice of the site at evisa.mfa.ir.
Can I apply for multiple-entry or longer-stay Iran visas?
Standard tourist e-Visas are single-entry, valid for 30 days. For longer stays or multiple entries, you must apply at an embassy (business, pilgrimage categories) or request an extension once inside Iran.
